“Well, that’s the truth,” Dad says, dropping his arm around me.
“What are you up to today?” I breathe in the coffee grounds and Old Spice that seem to cling to him.
“Oh, there is a cornflake in the shape of California going up for auction today. Don’t tell your mother. But I’m all over it.”
I grin. “My lips are sealed.” I’m ready to shower. I’ve got a full day of chores ahead of me, things I need to get done before Wyatt gets home.
“You’re a good girl,” Dad says. “And you are an exceptional aunt, Maggie.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“What are you planning to do about the whole soccer player at Wyatt’s party problem?”
Over the past few days, Wyatt has informed everyone that I’m getting Lucca Cruz to attend his party. I’m like a broken record that says each time,It’s tricky, bud.
I sigh. “What else can I do?” He’s the one who said I’m an exceptional aunt. I can’t be Wyatt’s mom. Even if I want to be at times. “I’m going to get Lucca Cruz to commit to Wyatt’s party.”
Fourteen
Sittingon the bench across from Zev, I pull on my socks, ready for our second night game of the season. There’s a reason we don’t do many night games in March; it’s going to be a chilly one—at least for the fans. I’ll be running miles, so cool weather isn’t going to bother me.
I peer at my friend, discussing our weekend plans. “I thought you already went to Noreen’s this week,” I say, referring to Rosalie’s grandmother.
Zev is so whipped. The man is head over heels for Rosalie.
“Well, yeah. She doesn’t like eating alone since Kermit passed away.” His brows lift. “You get it.”
And I do. While Rosalie’s grandmother may not have raised her, I understand wanting to be there for her.
But does Zev have to go? I mean, every time?
Especially when his boy Lucca needs some company.
“Zev, sometimes you act like you’re married to that girl.”
“Yeah?” he says, completely unbothered by the comment. He leans down, tying the laces of his shoes, a whipped grin on his face. Hmm—well, that didn’t have the effect I hoped for.
“Yeah.” I groan. “Callum and Fran have plans. Roman is crazy hooked on Stella. He can’t go one night?—”
“So?”
“So, those boys aremarried. Ball and chain. We’re supposed to be the single guys. You’re supposed to be the guy who’s able to go out with Lucca on the weekend.”
“I bet Wade’s free.” Zev laughs, like I haven’t heard this joke before. I like Wade, and maybe if he were five or six years older, I’d think about it.
“Guess I’ll go home—again,” I say, though my guilt trip isn’t going to work on him.
“You know what you need?” Zev says.
“I’ve got plenty of date options.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt it,” Zev says. “I was going to say, you need a cat.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Excuse me?”
“You need someone to come home to at night.”
I stand, turn my back on Zev, and throw on my warmup kit. A cat? He’s lost it. “So, how is Noreen? Any better?” I say. I can’t help it; it’s a soft spot.
